Overview

This unit introduces students to the fundamentals of media studies, with a focus on texts, contexts, and the history of media and media studies. This enables students to understand the significant contribution that the media make to the formation of society and culture. Students will also be introduced to competing frameworks for understanding media and their merits.

Requisites

Prerequisites
MDA10001 Introduction to Media Studies
Teaching periods
Location
Start and end dates
Last self-enrolment date
Census date
Last withdraw without fail date
Results released date
Pathways Teaching 2
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
01-July-2024
27-September-2024
Last self-enrolment date
14-July-2024
Census date
26-July-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
16-August-2024
Results released date
08-October-2024
Pathways Teaching 3
Location
Hawthorn
Start and end dates
21-October-2024
31-January-2025
Last self-enrolment date
03-November-2024
Census date
15-November-2024
Last withdraw without fail date
13-December-2024
Results released date
11-February-2025

Learning outcomes

Students who successfully complete this unit will be able to:

  • Relate specific texts to broader social contexts
  • Describe the purpose of cultural and critical theory
  • Analyse the relationship between theory and practice
  • Critically analyse media texts
  • Examine the issues surrounding media production, distribution and ownership

Teaching methods

Hawthorn

Type Hours per week Number of weeks Total (number of hours)
Online Contact
Online Class		 2.00  12 weeks  24
Face to Face Contact
Tutorial		 2.00  12 weeks  24
Face to Face Contact
Tutorial		 2.00  12 weeks  24
Specified Learning Activities
Readings		 2.00  12 weeks  24
Unspecified Learning Activities
Independent Learning		 4.50  12 weeks  54
TOTAL     150

Assessment

Type Task Weighting ULO's
EssayIndividual 30 - 40% 1,2,3,4,5 
Media JournalsIndividual 30 - 40% 1,2,3,4 
Online TestsIndividual 30 - 40% 1,2,3,4,5 

Content

  • Media Texts and Analysis
  • Semiotics and Signs
  • Form and Content
  • Analysing Media Industries
  • Media Audiences
  • Media Representations of Gender, Sexuality, Class and Race
  • Taste and Criticism
  • Media History and Aesthetic Movements

Study resources

Reading materials

A list of reading materials and/or required textbooks will be available in the Unit Outline on Canvas.